For first-time visitors planning a trip to Salzburg in Austria, this practical guide to the Museum der Moderne Salzburg explains exactly which buses to take, the Mönchsberg lift fare, parking charges, opening hours and practical tips for combining the visit with nearby sights.
A brief overview and history of the Museum der Moderne Salzburg
The Museum der Moderne Salzburg operates in two sites: Mönchsberg on the hill above the old town and Rupertinum in the Altstadt. The museum grew from Salzburg’s historic graphic arts and photography collections into an institution that now presents modern and contemporary art, with a strong focus on graphics and photography.
The Mönchsberg building, opened in the early 2000s, offers galleries and terraces with views across Salzburg. The Rupertinum sits in a historic city-centre building and provides smaller exhibition spaces that often host photography and graphic art displays.
Five great things to do in Salzburg
- 🎶 Bring out your inner Maria – on a Sound of Music locations tour.
- 🥧 Take an apple strudel cooking class – with lunch included.
- 🏛️ See the highlights of the Old Town – on a guided walking tour.
- ⛏️ Go underground in a salt mine – and see the Bavarian Alps too.
- 🏰 Head up to the Hohensalzburg Fortress – for a best of Mozart concert.
How to get to the museum by bus, lift and on foot
To reach Mönchsberg use the public lift named MönchsbergAufzug. The following bus lines serve stops close to the lift or the old town approaches:
- Buses to Mönchsberg lift: 1, 8, 10, 22, 23, 27 (alight for the lift or nearby stops and follow signage).
- Buses to Rupertinum (Altstadt): 1, 8, 10, 22, 23, 27 to Herbert-von-Karajan-Platz then a short walk; additional near stops include lines 3, 5, 6, 7, 14, 25 and 28 to Rathaus area.
- From the main station: regular local buses run to the old town; fares for a short city ride are modest.
Walking from the old town to Mönchsberg is possible via stairs and paths, but it is significantly more strenuous than taking the lift. If you prefer to avoid a steep uphill walk, plan to use the lift.
Mönchsberg lift fare and practical notes
The public Mönchsberg lift climbs from the old town up to Mönchsberg and replaces a long uphill walk for many visitors. The one-way fare for the lift is currently €3.20 (one way). Factor in a few minutes for queues at busy times of day.
If you hold a multi-attraction city card or other transport pass, check whether the lift fare is included before you travel as that can alter the cost of your visit.
Parking options and typical charges
The most convenient parking for the museum is in the central underground garages that serve Mönchsberg. The two commonly used garages are listed as the main options for museum access.
- Altstadtgarage B (inside Mönchsberg): this garage puts you a short walk from the Toscaninihof courtyard and the museum entrance.
- Altstadtgarage A: also convenient and has an exit toward the Mönchsberg lift and Haus der Natur.
Parking rates in central Salzburg garages are charged in short intervals. As a practical guide, expect to pay approximately €3 to €4 per hour in these central garages. The operator uses precise short-interval billing; check the garage signage on arrival for exact current tariffs and accessible space locations.
If you need accessible parking, look for marked accessible spaces inside these garages and allow extra time to transfer to the lift or entrance.
Opening hours and ticket prices
The museum’s regular opening hours are: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday 10:00 to 18:00. On Thursday the museum is open until 20:00. The museum is normally closed on Monday, except on certain holidays or festival dates.
Ticket prices for combined entry to both Mönchsberg and Rupertinum are typically structured as follows: adult €14, reduced (including under-27s) €11, group rates €11.
Visitors with a recognised disability card may have free or reduced access depending on the ticket type. A combined ticket is generally valid for several days and allows one entry per site within that period.
When to visit and how long to allow
If you prefer fewer crowds, aim for weekday mornings at opening or late afternoons on non-Thursday weekdays. The museum draws more local visitors on Thursday evenings because of the extended hours, and weekends can be busy.
Allow roughly 1.5 to 2.5 hours per site if you intend to view exhibitions with time for a coffee. Visiting both sites in one day is feasible if you allow time for lunch and the Mönchsberg transfer.
Suggested itinerary and nearby attractions to combine with your visit
- Start at Rupertinum in the Altstadt mid-morning and explore Getreidegasse and nearby streets.
- Lunch in the old town.
- Take the lift or walk to Mönchsberg for afternoon galleries and the museum café.
- After the museum, continue to Hohensalzburg Fortress or Mirabell Gardens.
Other nearby sights that combine well with the museum include Mozart’s Birthplace and the Haus der Natur. These are within easy walking distance of Rupertinum or a short walk from the lift area.
Accessibility and terrain
Both museum sites offer wheelchair-friendly access with lifts and ramps. The approach to Mönchsberg on foot is uphill; the public lift provides a level route for visitors with limited mobility.
Accessible parking is available in the central garages. If you require assistive devices such as loan wheelchairs or audio guides, contact the museum in advance to confirm availability.
FAQ: practical visitor questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Are the paths wheelchair-friendly? | Yes. Both sites have barrier-free access with lifts and ramps inside the buildings. |
| Is there accessible parking close to the entrance? | Yes. Accessible spaces are marked in the central garages that serve Mönchsberg; the route from the garage to the lift is short but allow extra time for transfer. |
| Are assistive devices available? | The museum provides accessibility services. Contact the museum before your visit to check audio guide or loan wheelchair availability. |
| When are the quietest times to visit? | Weekday mornings and late afternoons are generally the quietest times, except Thursday evenings when the museum stays open later and draws more visitors. |
| How to book tickets? | Tickets can be bought at each entrance. A combined ticket covers both sites for a multi-day validity period; check ticket options before your visit to secure any concessions. |
| How long are typical wait times? | Waits are usually short in off-peak hours. Expect possible short queues for the Mönchsberg lift and the ticket desk during peak periods. |
| Are there cafés on site? | Yes. The Mönchsberg site has a museum café and there are café options near the Rupertinum in the old town. |
| Can I bring my own food? | No. |
| Are photos allowed? | Photography policies vary by exhibition. Non-flash personal photography is often permitted but follow the signage and staff guidance. |
| Are strollers suitable? | Strollers can be used; however, some routes to Mönchsberg involve stairs or gradients so the lift is recommended where possible. |
Practical note: parking tariffs and lift fares can change. The figures cited are accurate as of September 2025.
More Salzburg travel
Other Salzburg travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Visiting Salzburg’s Sound of Music locations.
- Why the Sound of Music gazebo is at Hellbrunn Palace.
- Can you walk from Salzburg Airport to the city?
- What is the big golden ball artwork in Salzburg?
- How Salzburg was built on salt.
